OTTAWA, March 31, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, announced that Dr. Roderick McInnes has assumed the responsibilities of Acting President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Dr. McInnes is an internationally recognized researcher who brings extensive leadership experience to CIHR, having served as the inaugural Scientific Director of the Institute of Genetics, from 2000-2010.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. McInnes is the Director of the Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital at McGill University in Montreal, the Alva Chair in Human Genetics, and the Canada Research Chair in Neurogenetics. He is also a Professor of Human Genetics and a Professor of Biochemistry at McGill.

Dr. McInnes replaces Dr. Alain Beaudet, who was appointed as CIHR President in 2008. In this acting assignment, Dr. McInnes will lead the organization until a permanent President is appointed by the government.

The selection process for the next President has begun and will continue over the coming months. Qualified individuals who are interested in applying for this position are invited to visit the Governor in Council appointments website.

Quotes

"I am very pleased to announce that Dr. McInnes has assumed the responsibilities of Acting President of CIHR. Dr. McInnes' track record of scientific excellence and knowledge of both the Canadian health research landscape and CIHR make him very well suited to take on this important new role. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Alain Beaudet for his service to Canadians and wish him the very best in his retirement from the public service."

– The Honourable Jane PhilpottMinister of Health

"CIHR Governing Council welcomes Dr. McInnes as Acting President of CIHR. Dr. McInnes' experiences as a researcher, an academic leader, and former Scientific Director at CIHR have earned him great respect throughout the entire health research community. We look forward to working with Dr. McInnes in the months ahead as we continue to fulfil CIHR's mandate of supporting research excellence and translating it into improved health and health services for Canadians."

– Michael WilsonVice-Chair, CIHR Governing Council

"CIHR is the engine of health research in Canada," said Dr. McInnes. "It is a great honour to be asked to assume this important position at this critical time in CIHR's history. I look forward to listening to the research community for its guidance in helping me and my CIHR colleagues to build on the opportunities ahead."

– Dr. Roderick McInnesActing President, CIHR

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research

For further information: Andrew MacKendrick, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; David Coulombe, Media Relations, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 613-941-4563